Background: On January 25, NCSHP voted to discontinue coverage for GLP-1 anti-obesity medications (AOMs) used for obesity management for state employees, effective April 1, 2024. The Committee cited short-term financial concerns as its rationale for this decision rather than considering the long-term money savings and health improvements that GLP-1s can offer individuals seeking treatment for obesity, or looking at cost-savings measures in other areas of their health plan. Treating obesity early can prevent various life-threatening conditions associated with obesity, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers – all leading causes of preventable death in the United States and significant financial strains for health plans.

This decision is a step backward in the fight to improve the lives of people with obesity, and it is a clear example of weight-based discrimination, which continues to negatively impact outdated and unscientific obesity care policies.

Take Action Now: Use OAC’s advocacy tool below to send a letter to the NCSHP Board of Trustees and urge them to find a solution to keep coverage of AOMs before their next meeting in April.

It’s Easy to Advocate! Use our easy automated message generator below to get started. You’ll find an easy to use template letter to get you started, and we encourage you to personalize this letter before sending by including your story and thoughts before sending.